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Page 48
would care for what was left of him most tenderly, and most assiduously would I pursue those who harmed him." She paused and added with a half smile, "I can think of a number of men I would be well pleased to be rid of."
Ian swallowed. She was not jesting. She would not only have the king's henchman maimed, which he would probably deserve, but would put the blame upon some person who had nothing whatsoever to do with it but had happened to incur her dislike. Alinor certainly needed a firm, guiding hand. It was quite useless to reason with her about right and wrong. He knew Alinor. However, she was never impervious to practicalities in a situation.
"It will not do," he said more calmly than he felt. "Who knows what rights or lands of yours the man might swear away in order to have you for a wife? Whatever he promised would be forfeit to the king."
Alinor thought about that with narrowed eyes, but it was the horrible truth and one thing that she had not considered. Alinor did not mind parting with money, but she would not willingly give up a stick or a stone of her property nor a tittle of her right to administer it as she thought best. Ian was right. It would be best to marry him. No one knew what was in the strong rooms of Alinor's castles except Alinor, but she was confident that whatever fine the king set she could pay. Her vassals would contribute, too. She had a right to an aide for being married.
Having added up the benefits, Alinor raised her eyes to Ian's face. God help her, what was she thinking of? This was Ian, not a book of accounts. This was a man with whom she had quarreled, with whom she had laughed, a friend who had wept for her when her baby died.
"Ian," she exclaimed with real distress, "I would repay you for your help and care with false coin."
He did not misunderstand her. With those dear to

 
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